Officials prepare for Cumberland County gun buyback

Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced Wednesday, May 22, 2013, that a state-sponsored gun buyback program for residents of Cumberland County will be held at three churches, one each in Vineland, Millville, and Bridgeton, on June 7 and 8. (Staff Photo by Alex Young/South Jersey Times)

Police and community officials are preparing for a state-sponsored “Guns for Cash” buyback program scheduled to take place at three county church this Friday and Saturday.

Cumberland County residents can sell up to three guns of any type “no questions asked,” for as much as $250 each from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 7, and 8.

New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa said that more than 10,000 guns have been purchased at the six previous buybacks held in counties throughout the state.

The buyback is a cooperative effort involving the Attorney General's Office, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, the state Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police in Bridgeton and Port Norris, the Vineland, Millville and Bridgeton police departments, and the faith-based community in Cumberland County. The funds used to buy the firearms come entirely from criminal forfeiture funds, which means the buybacks cost the taxpayer nothing, according to Chiesa.

Compared to more largely populated parts of the state, Cumberland County has a relatively small forfeiture fund, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, making it difficult to organize a buyback without state support.

“I’m very appreciative that they are considering our county,” she said at a press conference announcing the buyback last month. “They are supporting it in a big way with state funds.”

The three host churches for this weekend's buyback include the Word of Life Christian Worship Center at 425 N. 6th St., in Vineland, the Cornerstone Community Church at 1200 N. High St., in Millville, and Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church at 186 E. Commerce St. in Bridgeton.

Chiesa also reminded people planning to bring guns to the buyback locations of the proper ways to transport a firearm.

Under state law, guns must be transported unloaded and secured in a closed and fastened case, gun box or securely tied package. If no such carrying case is available, they need to be locked in the trunk of the vehicle in which they're being transported.